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Get the steering pinch bolt out..

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  #1  
Old 04-09-2011, 09:24 PM
bixing's Avatar
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Angry Get the steering pinch bolt out..

Well..I am trying to change the rack and pinion on my car (Audi A4B5)
Right now, I am stuck at the punch bolt to remove the steering..and it does not want to come out. I have the nut off. I tried heating the frame, hammers, stripped the torx site on the bolt.
ANy ideas are welcome..
 
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Old 04-10-2011, 02:30 PM
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A big metal hammer, and lots of penetrating spray. Some people have cut the bolt at the slits of the wheel carrier, to try to relieve pressure. I used an impact wrench to rotate it back and forth (if you do this be careful, my bolt twisted, hence why I would run it back and forth so it didnt break). I think the textbook thing to use is a settling torch to rapidly heat, I tried just using a propane torch and it didnt seem to do much.
 
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Old 04-10-2011, 04:04 PM
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you talking about the bolt inside the car on the knuckle or the evil devil pinch bolt on the spindle?
 
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Old 04-10-2011, 10:06 PM
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Angry

Thanks Dallas 09..
And I am talking about the bolt after taking the nut off to separate the steering column from the rack.
The impact hammer did not do anything either...
So, I was thinking to cut it at the threads near one hole do that it splits open. Any ideas on best way to cut a bolt??
I was thinking maybe I will have to drill 1-2 holes in the shaft and then connect them with something..maybe bigger drill bit?? Never reached this point with any other bolt/nut!!!!!!DAMN
 
  #5  
Old 04-10-2011, 11:34 PM
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I know it's a bitch.. The big mistake that I think I and others have made is sticking a big ol flat head in the middle to try to pry the pinch apart after the nut is off. This would only make it harder for the bolt to slide out if you think about it. Did you do that? If so, try to squeeze it back and then try to knock the bolt out. On one side, I had to take the whole upright/knuckle out and have a buddy press it out at the shop. It wasn't a big deal because I was doing control arms and and wheel bearings at the time. There are plenty of threads to search on about this, though. Lots of different pointers that I've forgoten. But the main thing I'd suggest is to make sure the bolt has a straigt path to travel in/out of.
 
  #6  
Old 04-11-2011, 09:31 AM
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Yes, I did do that &@$#%@$#$@....DAMN ..
I am going to cut the bolt tonight with a dremel and see how that goes.
Also, tried looking on the forums for other pointers....really did not find much.
Another idea would be what you (onepoint8tee) did.....
Is there a diy link to removing the whole knuckle?
 
  #7  
Old 04-13-2011, 08:07 PM
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I did mine and they were both really stuck. i cut the bolt in the middle and then used the nut on the end of one piece and the head on the end of the other and just spun them until they loosened up. Which ever one I got out first I used a punch in that hole to push the other piece out.
 
  #8  
Old 04-16-2011, 03:31 PM
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Finally got the bolt out and changed the steering rack. BUT.......once I turned the car ON, it is making loud whining noise probably coming from the steering rack which gets really loud when I am turned maximum towards right or left. I did fill the reservoir with steering fluid and it fot like BLACK instantly..I am wondering if the rack was good at all or if someone else had this issue.....????
I bought the rack from carsteering.com.
Tx again
 
  #9  
Old 04-17-2011, 10:26 AM
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I had a noisy rack for a couple days when I flushed the steering fluid. It takes time to get all the air bubbles out.
 
  #10  
Old 04-17-2011, 05:58 PM
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Tx catmandu ...That helps...Now I can relax back and see how it goes.. Will get alignment done tomorrow and then drive around.
 
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